If you are considering divorce or in the middle of proceedings, or currently involved, chances are you have questions about the cost. Each situation differs and it all depends on choices made during this process.
An experienced divorce attorney can assist in helping you assess the costs associated with your case and its various aspects. Here are some major ones.
Costs of Attorney Retainers
Attorney fees tend to be the greatest expense of a divorce case, with costs depending on its complexity and scope. Uncontested divorces with no major issues between spouses tend to be cheaper and faster while contentious divorces, including those involving custody disputes or property division issues can become significantly more costly and lengthy legal proceedings.
Legal research, document preparation and court appearances all influence the final cost. Attorneys typically charge by the hour; an initial retainer payment should cover much of a case’s expenses.
Other divorce expenses may include photocopies, filing fees, notary fees, mailing fees and process server fees (which vary based on state/county), as well as child custody evaluators/real estate appraisers which can all add up quickly.
Costs of Expert Witnesses
Expert witnesses may be necessary in certain instances to help prove a case, and can charge significant sums of money for their services; generally speaking, medical experts tend to charge more than non-medical experts.
As well as an attorney’s hourly rate, it is also essential to take into account any expert fees necessary. A forensic accountant, for example, could charge significantly more money and require extensive case preparation time before being paid his or her fees.
Divorce can be costly, but not hiring a divorce attorney could prove even more so. Failing to retain legal advice could result in punitive rulings from courts regarding property division and custody disputes; so it is wise to consult with an established family law firm that can give an accurate cost estimate.
Costs of Court Appearances
Contested divorces tend to cost more than uncontested ones due to multiple court appearances and attempts at resolution between both parties involved.
One factor affecting divorce costs is whether or not fault is alleged, which requires legal assistance to present your case and can significantly increase legal expenses.
An experienced Buffalo Divorce Lawyer will work to reduce costs and provide an estimate for how much your divorce may cost before signing any documents.
Family law attorneys typically charge by the hour. Therefore, it’s crucial that you find an attorney who is open about their charges and can provide a breakdown of what tasks were completed for each hour they bill you. No matter your needs or budget, hiring an experienced attorney to protect your rights is always worth your while – for free consultation contact Brian D. Perskin & Associates PC attorneys today.
Costs of Mediation
Many states offer mediation options ranging from free services to those that charge fees per session. Some private mediators quote flat rates after evaluation while others charge hourly. Additional expenses could include expert witness fees, professional appraisals of real estate or businesses and court costs.
Cost of divorce depends heavily on whether or not both you and your partner can come to an agreement on key issues, enabling you to save on legal fees by working together towards solutions to as many disputes as possible.
Cost-cutting measures can also include using what are known as unbundled legal services or limited scope representation. This involves hiring a lawyer just for specific tasks rather than your entire case – like filing a divorce petition or creating a memorandum of understanding – however this only works if both parties can reach an agreement about major issues in your dispute.